Conquests of Inal the Great

Conquests of Inal the Great
Part of Circassian-Turkic conflicts
Circassia during the reign of Inal
Date 1400-1448 Location Caucasus Result Circassian victory Territorial changes Unification of Circassian lands, expansion to the Don and Kuban, conquest of Abkhazia, confrontation with Georgia and Genoa, establishment of new territories
Belligerents
Crimean Khanate Golden Horde Kingdom of Georgia Kingdom of Abkhazia (before 1438) Genoa Turkic nomads	Circassia Kingdom of Abkhazia (after 1438)
Commanders and leaders
Hacı I Giray Küchük Muhammad Mamia II Dadiani  † Liparit I Dadiani George Dadiani † Ozdemir  †	Inal the Great of Circassia
Strength
8,000-12,000	17,000-22,000
Casualties and losses
2,500-5,000	2,300-4,000

The Conquests of Inal the Great represent a series of campaigns led by Inal the Great in the Caucasus during the early 15th century, aimed at uniting Circassian lands and expanding Circassian influence. Inal's campaigns included significant battles with the Crimean Khanate, Golden Horde, and Georgian states, resulting in the consolidation of Circassian territories from the Don to the Kuban and the establishment of Circassian dominance in parts of Abkhazia and the North Caucasus.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Inal is first documented in 1427 by Shora Nogma, with later sources, such as Northwest Caucasus by Walter Richmond, describing his role in the reunification of the Circassian principalities. The legend states that he emerged as a leader after the Mongol invasions had forced Circassian tribes into the mountains. The title "Inal" was also a royal title among the Oguz Turks, suggesting possible Turkic influence on his rule.

Inal initially controlled the Taman Peninsula but sought to expand his influence across the region. By the early 1400s, he had assembled a powerful army, primarily composed of the Khegayk clan, and set out to unite the scattered Circassian lands.

Rise to Power

Inal the Great was a prominent Circassian leader in the early 15th century, initially holding land in the Taman Peninsula. He is first documented in 1427, according to Shora Nogma, while later sources, such as Richmond's Northwest Caucasus, recount a legend that he reunited Circassian princedoms after they had been forced into the mountains by the Mongols. The name "Inal" was also a royal title among the Oguz Turks.

In the early 1400s, Inal created an army predominantly composed of the Khegayk clan to unite all Circassian lands. Gradually, various Circassian lordships fell under his control. Despite resistance from nobles and lords, Inal achieved a decisive victory near the Mzymta River, defeating thirty Circassian lords. Following this battle, ten of the lords were executed, and the remaining twenty pledged allegiance to Inal, securing his power.

Conquests and Military Campaigns

Battle Near the Mzymta River

Inal's first major military success came when he defeated a coalition of thirty Circassian lords near the Mzymta River. After a decisive victory, Inal executed ten of the rebellious lords, while the remaining twenty submitted to his rule, solidifying his power over much of Circassia.

Siege of Khumaran

One of the most significant campaigns in Inal's career was the Siege of Khumaran. Khumaran, a Genoese fortress located on Mount Kalezh, controlled key passes along the Kuban, Mary, and Teberda rivers. Despite the fortress's previous damage from Timur's 1396 invasion, it remained a stronghold of strategic importance. After several failed assaults, Inal’s forces laid siege to the fortress, eventually forcing the Genoese to surrender under terms of safe passage. However, as they attempted to withdraw, the Genoese were ambushed by Inal’s cavalry, led by Tambi, and were completely annihilated.

Expansion into Kabardia and the Kuban Region

In 1434, Inal launched a successful campaign into Eastern Circassia, establishing the province of Kabardia. This marked the beginning of his domination over Circassian lands. By 1438, he drove Crimean Turkic nomads out of the region north of the Kuban River, expanding his control to areas near the modern-day city of Azov. Inal’s military successes laid the foundation for the unification of Circassian lands.

Conquest of Abkhazia

As Inal’s power grew, he turned his attention to the neighboring region of Abkhazia. The Abkhaz clans, including the Anchabadze and the Shervashidze, pledged their allegiance to Inal. Together, they defeated the Mingrelians and successfully unified Northern Abkhazia with Circassia.